GRAND CAYMAN (GIS) – In a collaborative effort to alleviate capacity constraints that have impacted Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Northward, a joint initiative has been established to resolve the situation.

The plans, which will see a reduced number of prisoners being held within the facility, evolved following discussion between the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Human Resources and Immigration and Her Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service (HMCIPS).

Interim Director of HMCIPS, Steven Barrett, says the Northward facility will achieve a reduction in inmate numbers through the transfer of suitably selected and risk assessed individuals to a section of the Immigration Detention Centre (IDC).

Similar works will also take place within HMP Northward to enable the internal transfer of inmates from areas most impacted by overcrowding.

“We are aware that the current overcrowding situation is not acceptable or sustainable, and the plans to relieve some of the strain on HMP Northward by using the IDC as an extension of the prison is the most viable short term option available,” Mr Barrett explained.

“As the Chief Officer for Home Affairs I want to assure the public that the transfer of inmates to the IDC, and the reconfiguration of HMP Northward, will in no way impact the Department’s statutory obligations or compromise safety,” Dr Dax Basdeo said. “We will continue to work diligently towards a permanent solution, while maintaining the welfare and security of inmates, Prison Service staff and members of the public.”

Both Ministries and HMCIPS leaders are proactively working to ensure that the IDC is fit for such occupation. The development of the IDC to receive low risk offenders will create 22 spaces at the Northward facility.

Dr Basdeo explained that prison operations at the IDC will function as normal, such as daily meal times, access to recreational and hygiene facilities, while coordinating schedules around the group of migrants that are currently housed at the facility.

“We are currently reviewing the necessary security measures and protocols that will be implemented in order to make the facility suitable for inmates, while ensuring the privacy and safety of the migrants isn’t compromised,” he stated.

The IDC currently lies under the remit of the Ministry of Human Resources and Immigration.

“HMCIPS is a key partner in keeping the Cayman Islands safe,” Chief Officer Wesley Howell said. “By retrofitting IDC to maintain the strict separation of Immigration detainees and prison inmates, we can relieve the prison overcrowding in the short term, while providing safe and compliant detention facilities for the Department of Immigration detainees.”

Mr Barrett, in setting out his plans, commented on the impact that overcrowding can and does have on the prison environment.

“Overcrowding has been a prolonged issue here in the Cayman Islands and this has presented a number of challenges for staff and prisoners,” he explained. “Overcrowding can undermine the safety of staff and prisoners, and creates much longer waiting lists for accessing offending behaviour programmes and other rehabilitation activities.”

Mr Barrett added: “It is important to acknowledge the patience of those incarcerated and the ability of my staff who have demonstrated significant levels of interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive and respectful relationships with those in our care.”

END

IMAGE: FILE